What will happen during the hearing?

The judge will need to review the petition and will likely provide an opportunity for the shelter operator’s attorney and the defendant or the defendant’s attorney to speak on the issue. The judge will evaluate the entire situation, including the facts and circumstances of the case, the need to care for the animal(s) while the case is pending, the cost of providing such care, and the defendant’s ability to pay. The judge may order the defendant to either

• Deposit enough money with the clerk of superior court to cover the reasonable expenses related to caring for the animal(s) for 30 days or Provide care for the animal (presumably at the defendant’s home).
• If the judge orders the defendant to deposit money with the clerk, the order must explain the process for extending the order. 3 – January 2009